As harmful illnesses continue to spread, here's everything parents need to understand the different symptoms ...

It's normal for children to have coughs and colds at this time of year, but with cases of Strep A and Covid surging (and the dreaded loss of taste and smell symptom is back 😭 – see below), it's no wonder parents are worried about what exactly their children's sniffle might be.

And with some of the signs and symptoms overlapping, it can get VERY confusing.

• Strep A: What to do if you can't get a doctor's appointment.

Here we take a look at the signs of Strep A, scarlet fever, colds, flu and Covid to help you understand the symptoms and tell the difference.

If you are worried about your child's symptoms always speak to your GP or call 111. In the event of an emergency, call 999 or visit your nearest A&E.

Strep A

There have been 111 invasive Strep A cases in children aged one to four this season and 74 cases in children aged five to nine according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Since September, 74 people of all ages have died in England – 18 of them children.

These are the common symptoms of Strep A to watch out for, according to the NHS.

1. flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, swollen glands or an aching body
2. sore throat (strep throat or tonsillitis)
3. a rash that feels rough, like sandpaper (scarlet fever)
4. scabs and sores (impetigo)
5. pain and swelling (cellulitis)
6. severe muscle aches
7. nausea and vomiting

The official advice is to speak to your GP or call 111 if your child is poorly and getting worse.

Scarlet fever

Caused by the Strep A infection, cases of scarlet fever continue to soar, with the UKHSA saying they are unseasonably high.

On the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever, the NHS says :

1. The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature of 38C or above and swollen neck glands (large lump on the side of the neck).
2. 'A pink-red appears a few days later, which feels like sandpaper and looks like sunburn. It starts on the chest and tummy.
3. 'A white coating also appears on the tongue. This peels, leaving it red and swollen ('strawberry tongue').
4. 'The rash doesn't appear on the face, but the cheeks can be flushed.'

Scarlet fever is easily treated with antibiotics but as it's very contagious, check with your GP before you go in as they may suggest a phone consultation instead.

Colds

In most cases, you can treat a cold without seeing a GP and the NHS says you should start to feel better within a couple of weeks.

The symptoms are usually the same in both adults and children, but experts say they could last a little bit longer in kids.

Symptoms include:

1. a blocked or runny nose
2. sore throat
3. headaches
4. muscle aches
5. coughs
6. sneezing
7. raised temperature
8. pressure in your ears and face
9. loss of taste and smell

Read about treating your child's cold with honey here , and for everything you might want to know on coughs and cold, read this .

Flu

Figures from the UKHSA found that flu hospital and intensive care admissions have increased in the past week, with the under fives being one of the highest group of hospital admissions.

The NHS list the symptoms for flu as follows:

1. sudden high temperature
2. aching body
3. feeling tired or exhausted
4. a dry cough
5. sore throat
6. headache
7. difficulty sleeping
8. loss of appetite
9. diarrhoea or tummy pain
10. feeling or being sick
11. less active (specifically children)
12. pain in the ear (specifically children)

Parents have been urged to take up the offer of the flu nasal spray vaccine at school sessions or in community catch-up clinics. Vaccine uptake in kids aged two and three is below the last two years, data shows . If you're worried about any side effects, Dr Ranj busts some myths about that here .

It's especially important, as the NHS says that viral infections such as the flu, put you at higher risk of Strep A infections (see above).

Covid

MORE than a million Brits have come down with Covid this week, according to the latest data from t he Office for National Statistics (ONS).

According to the experts at ZOE Health Study , there are 10 symptoms Brits are currently experiencing:

1. a sore throat
2. a runny nose
3. a blocked nose
4. sneezing
5. a cough without phlegm
6. a headache
7. a cough with phlegm
8. a hoarse voice
9. muscle aches and pains
10. an altered sense of taste and smell

For any Covid-related worries, click here or check out our Chat Forum on the topic.

Are you confident you can spot the difference? Has your family been struck down by any of the bugs? Share your thoughts in our Forum below.

Read more on your child's health

Warning as parents told of first reported Strep A death in secondary school

CHAT: Baby and child health

GPs warn of scarlet fever outbreaks in children